Francis Ngannou has not stepped into the cage for over a year. Since stepping away from the UFC—the sport’s premier platform—to pursue better contract terms and the freedom to box, he has only fought once. Ngannou made his PFL debut last year following two high-profile boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Fans last saw “The Predator” in cage action in October 2024, when he quickly showcased his devastating power by knocking out Renan Ferreira.
Currently, Ngannou seems to be aiming for a return to the ring as he faces difficulties finding suitable opponents in the PFL. Recent contract details suggest his MMA fight is planned for the first half of 2026, with “special” plans reportedly in the works for that event.
There is increasing talk about the possibility of Ngannou returning to the UFC in 2025, especially after his candid remarks about the lack of opponents in the PFL. Ngannou revealed that his current contract with PFL ends after one more fight in 2026, leaving the door open for new ventures or potentially returning to his previous MMA home. Meanwhile, he remains with PFL, who appear determined to ensure he wins his next fight.
PFL CEO John Martin shared, “I’ve spoken to Francis many times. He knows we’re working on something special for him. We’re looking forward to him fighting in 2026, and we’re trying to arrange something big.” Martin also mentioned ongoing discussions involving Ngannou’s team and indicated that Ngannou is exploring boxing options as well. Former Bellator champion Vadim Nemkov is mentioned as a potential opponent, with Nemkov set to fight Renan Ferreira in Lyon, France, soon.
On the other hand, Dana White has shown no interest in bringing Ngannou back to the UFC. When asked about re-signing Ngannou, White sarcastically dismissed the idea, emphasizing no desire to work with someone he dislikes or doesn’t consider a good person.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for fight fans because Ngannou remains one of the most electrifying heavyweight talents, and his decisions affect the balance between MMA and boxing. His next moves could unlock exciting matchups or shifts in fighter markets that reshape the heavyweight landscape in combat sports.
